Jesus, the Youth Pastor
After responding to a question from one of my AMAZING youth leaders, I thought I would post this:
I believe that most all, with the exception of Peter, were disciples or young men. Here is my reasoning:
1. Only Peter is mentioned as being married (which the average Jewish man was given a wife at around 18 years of age).
2. Peter we assume was older since he often took leadership roles among the 12.
3. The other disciples, when called, said they had to go tell their parents what they were doing.
4. Most Jewish men didn’t have a “real” job until they were 21. In the meantime, they were in apprentice positions.
5. Exodus 30.14-15 states that every male over 20 years old is to pay a temple tax when visiting. In Matthew 17.24-27 Peter “fishes” for the temply tax–enough for two, he and Jesus. I believe this points to the others age as being too young to pay.
6. Jesus also uses the term “little ones” in referring to His disciples. (Matthew 11.25, Luke 10.21 and John 13.33)
7. And the last reason I believe they were teens was their constant asking of questions, bickering and having to have things explained over and over again.
To me, this is why I am in youth ministry. If Jesus can use 11 teenagers to change the world then most certainly He can us 100 students to change Delaware County!!!
